"Matt will lead the theater by setting our vision and strategy, overseeing operations and fundraising and setting our artistic programming. His outstanding vision, leadership and dedication will continue to bring vitality and vibrancy to our very special organization," says board chairman Michael Sciola.

Prior to Oddfellows, he served as the production manager and was a director at the Ivoryton Playhouse. He holds a BA in Theater and a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Management, both from the University of Connecticut.

He succeeds producing artiostic director Jeffery Allen who left in May for a leadership position with the Center for Life Long Learning at Ivy Tech in Bloomington, Ind.

Oddfellows Playhouse is located at 128 Washington St, Middletown. For 37 years the Playhouse has been more than just a performing arts program." It aims to make a positive difference in the lives of over 1,500 young people each year by using the arts as tools to build self-confidence, communication skills, a sense of responsibility, and an appreciation for the richness and diversity of the world in which we live."